A neighborhood library without a card
Across neighborhood streets and parkways in Southern Utah, colorful wooden boxes perched on posts are changing how neighbors share stories, meet one another and celebrate the written word.
Behind each box is a volunteer steward who builds or purchases the structure, keeps it in good condition and curates its changing collection. Around Greater St. George, those stewards have turned simple book exchanges into expressions of community art and personal passion.
Crafted with art and love
For Julie Dumas, the decision to open Little Free Library Charter 153956 at 124 S. Otra Drive in Ivins grew from years of visiting similar libraries near her sons in the Pacific Northwest.
“I enjoyed Little Free Libraries for years in Oregon and Washington and wanted to build one in my own neighborhood,” Dumas said.
Her husband, a copper artist, gave her the charter for her birthday and built the structure. Dumas, a glass artist, joined him in creating an inviting neighborhood landmark that quickly became a local favorite.
Julie Dumas Library
Charter: 153956
Royal Circle Library
Charter: 141232
A birthday surprise also inspired the Royal Circle Library. After its future steward fell in love with the idea during a trip to Maine, her family surprised her with a library box of her own in 2020.
Serving schools and neighborhood readers
Location often helps a library become part of everyday life. At 705 E. 1100 S. in St. George, Jo’s Book House sits on a prominent corner near an elementary school.
“As we obtained access to our town’s new maker space, we found some plans and my husband made me the cutest book house you have ever seen,” the steward said.
The library became an important community resource during the COVID 19 quarantine and continues to serve neighborhood families and passersby.
A growing network across Greater St. George
Two boxes for two audiences
The Sylvesters’ Library
Birds of a Feather Read Together
